Coppell persuaded to stay

05 June 2008 01:44

Steve Coppell has revealed the support from club officials and supporters persuaded him to stay on as Reading manager despite their relegation from the Premier League.
The 52-year-old admitted he had seriously considered ending his five-year reign at the Madejski Stadum after their dramatic final day relegation.
But the former Brighton, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Manchester City boss decided to remain at the helm after a period of soul searching.
He told the club's official website: "First of all, it must have been a little confusing for the supporters because they would have seen that I signed a two-year deal last summer.
"When I first negotiated that deal, I just felt if we got relegated it would be a natural break for everybody. I assumed the club would not want me and to be honest I thought my time would be up.
"Obviously we did get relegated and then I really just felt a hole. I didn't want to be remembered as the man who got us relegated, I didn't want that legacy.
"There was a reaction from the supporters, the chairman and everyone in the club saying 'please stay'.
"Since I've been here I've talked many times about the most important thing for me as a manager. I don't have wild ambition to manage Man Utd or England, I want to be at a club where I'm wanted and I am.
"We're back in the process of planning for next year. I am delighted to be here, I am very privileged to manage this club and I will keep that mentality."